Camper submitted image from Knobstone Trail - 1

View Photos

Camper submitted image from Knobstone Trail - 2

Camping

Camper submitted image from Knobstone Trail - 3

People

Camper submitted image from Knobstone Trail - 4

Nature

Camper submitted image from Knobstone Trail - 5

Food

Unlock Planning Tools in App

Dispersed Camping

Knobstone Trail

2 Reviews

Knobstone Trail in Indiana offers a landscape of rolling hills and dense forests. Temperatures range from lows in the 20s Fahrenheit during winter to highs in the 80s during summer. Nearby attractions include the Clark State Forest and Deam Lake State Recreation Area, providing additional hiking and outdoor activities.

Description

Indiana DNR, Forestry Division

Clark State Forest

NOTE: Sections of trail between the Spurgeon Hollow Trail Head and mile marker 44s (2016 map version) are very wet and in some cases standing in water. The trail is passable, but will require hikers to walk around these sections to remain dry. Permanent relocation of these wet sections is underway. The relocation will not deviated greatly from the trails current location, but it will eliminate the lakes seasonal high water impact on the trail. The Division of Forestry is a multiple-use system. Please be aware of hunting seasons and what season may be open at the time of your hike. A majority of the Knobstone Trail travels through areas open to public hunting. Users of the Knobstone are encouraged to wear bright clothing (e.g., hunter orange, etc.) or other articles to ensure safety at all times of the year. With the removal of trees in the tornado area, timber harvested sections have become over grown with green brier, tree seedlings, and weeds, etc. To follow the KT through these sections, there are marks with two different color posts. Orange color marks the trail in the tornado area. Brown color marks the trail in the timber harvest sections between US 56 to Oxley Trailhead.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Knobstone Trail is located in Indiana

Coordinates

38.46500096 N
85.84361154 W

Open in Google Maps

Access

Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Stay Connected

WiFi
Unknown
Verizon
Unknown
AT&T
Good
T-Mobile
Good

Site Types

Dispersed

Features

For Campers

Firewood Available
Phone Service

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Knobstone Trail needs a permit.

Try PRO for Free

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

25 min from Louisville
1 hr from Elizabethtown
1 hr 4 min from Columbus
1 hr 23 min from Bloomington

Maris H.

Traveler

Reviewed Oct. 29, 2020

The KT earns its nickname 'little AT'

The KT is rugged and has lots of elevation gains over short distances. Everywhere you hike there are lovely vistas and lots of fossils on the trail snd creek beds. You're never too far from water, although the quality may differ depending on the time of year.

Watch out for ticks. My dogs and I got loads of them in April 2020 from Leota to Spurgeon Hollow. There are road crossings every 5 to 10 miles, so if you run out of something or need to bail you can. The KT asks that you respect leave no trace philosophy, and I felt most hikers did.

There is occasional trail magic but don't depend on it if thru hiking. I have not stayed in any campgrounds near the trail, so I can't review those, but the trailheads all have adequate parking and signage, and I found topo maps online for free.

Let someone know your itinerary, have a means for filtering water, and enjoy!

Dave E.

Ranger

Reviewed Aug. 16, 2017

Best backpacking in Indiana!

Most people, even Hoosiers don't realize the Knobstone Trail exists. It's often referred to The Little AT by those who know about it. It's no walk in the park. There are continuous ups and downs that will challenge your leg strength and footing at times. There are plenty of great places to camp along the trail. Water can become scarce in the summer/fall months, but if you walk far enough, you're likely to come by a stream of some sort. Be respectful of the leave no trace rules and if you see any dickheads out there on 4 wheelers, take their picture and report them.

Month of VisitOctober